Volvo Penta has announced the introduction of the first two models of its next-generation sterndrive marine gasoline engines.
The new 4.3-litre catalysed V6 engines, rated at 149kW and 178kW, will supplement Volvo Penta's current V6 product line. They debuted at the Marine Dealers Conference and Expo (MDCE) in Orlando, Florida, in mid-November.
Volvo Penta will roll out the complete new family of V6 and V8 gasoline sterndrive engines during 2015 and 2016.
Key benefits and technologies of the series include better fuel economy and lower emissions through common-rail direct fuel injection, higher torque and acceleration using variable valve timing (VVT), no saltwater exposure to any internal engine parts with freshwater cooling (FWC), increased power-to-weight ratio due to a lightweight all-aluminium block, usability with ethanol blends, and extended service intervals.
Current and new engines are available with DPS, OceanX and SX drives as well as Electronic Vessel Control (EVC) options. The engines also come with constant RPM in turns as a standard feature.
Ron Huibers, president of Volvo Penta of the Americas, said the engines were designed to improve fuel efficiency and meet rigorous emission standards, including the United States' Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board, as well as future European Union requirements.
"We are also reducing CO emissions at idle by 95 per cent," he said.